If you’re looking for a city that has something for everyone, look no further than Spokane. Known as the “Lilac City” for its stunning lilac bushes that bloom every spring, Spokane also hosts the largest timed road race in the nation, the Lilac Bloomsday Run. But that’s not all – Spokane is also home to a bustling downtown area, complete with endless options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Explore the city’s rich history at numerous cultural institutions and historic sites or enjoy the great outdoors with the many available activities.
Route to Spokane
Always check road and weather conditions on your route before you leave!
If you are following along on our Phoenix, AZ roadtrip, this means you will be arriving to Spokane from Langley, Vancouver Island, or Kelowna! Do not forget to keep an eye out for these sights along your drive!
Kelowna to Spokane
If you’re departing from Kelowna, follow Highway 33 south until it merges with Highway 3 and crosses the US border. From there, head east to US-395 and continue south until you reach Spokane. As you travel, you’ll catch glimpses of farmland, fields, and forested areas in the northern parts, with the stretch to Chewelah from the border being particularly breathtaking in the fall. Be sure to keep an eye out for any moose, deer, or turkeys that may try to cross the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
Langley to Spokane
As our campers from BC’s lower mainland embark on their journey, we invite you to follow our route to Seattle and join us on the I-90 Interstate all the way to Spokane. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also take Highway 2 out of Everett Washington, a more scenic route, but be aware that the highway can be a little more treacherous, and the overall drive time will be longer.
Open dawn – dusk daily with free admission, this 53-acre oasis is a magnificent expanse of cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, and natural wetlands. The garden’s living collections feature an array of plants that prosper in the Pacific Northwest, giving you an opportunity to experience the region’s distinct flora. While wandering the garden’s paths, you’ll gain insight into what makes the area so special, find inspiration for creating your own stunning garden, and learn how to care for the Northwest’s natural environment.
Attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year, you can access the free parking and viewing area from dawn until dusk. The falls are illuminated at night, providing a breathtaking view. Additionally, a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, and the famous 270-foot waterfall can be found at the site. Both the upper and lower observation decks are open every day of the year, so don’t miss out on this magnificent experience!
Take a trip through time at the Gingko Petrified Forest, way back to when lava flows swept through the Northwest. The three mile interpretive loop is not only a great way to stretch your legs, but you can explore mineralized gingkos, spruce, elm, walnut and fir trees.
Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall is a third generation family-owned business that started as a small roadside stand over 60 years ago. They offer fresh produce, unique antiques, specialty food items, gifts, locally made ice cream, espresso, and wine sourced from local businesses.
Spokane Campgrounds
Open year round!
Food and Drink!
Discover the best of farm-to-table cuisine and beverages in Spokane County.
Home to thousands of farms, you’ll discover many restaurants offer farm-to-table meals made from fresh ingredients. With over 35 breweries and 20 wineries in the region, the city is renowned as one of the top destinations in the USA for beer and wine enthusiasts.
Things To Do Around Spokane
Check out this great Driving Tour of Spokane!
River Park Square
River Front Square Shopping Center is in the heart of downtown Spokane. Featuring a large collection of retailers to shop through, or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants or pubs within! The shopping center also includes a mini golf course and an IMAX movie theatre – perfect activities for a rainy fall day!
Riverfront Park
It may be hard to imagine, but just half a century ago, the now 100-acre oasis known as Riverfront Park was nothing but an abandoned rail yard. Today, it stands as the crown jewel of Spokane’s downtown area, boasting stunning views of the Spokane River as it cascades over basalt rocks and into the incredible Spokane Falls.
With numerous activities to explore within the park, it is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. Kids will love the 40,000 square foot Ice Age Floods Playground that includes a fossil dig site, a rock climbing boulder, and a 3 story slide tower. No matter your age, embrace your inner youth with a visit to the incredible 12 foot tall Childhood Express Radio Flyer Wagon before crossing the bridge to Havermale Island and admiring the Clocktower.
The Pavilion, newly renovated in 2019, creates mesmerizing light shows to enjoy in the evening and the elevated platforms offer the best views of the park. West of the Pavilion is a footbridge that takes you over the Upper Falls to the Snxw Mene Island, otherwise called Canada, Crystal, or Canon Island.
Keep On Reading For Our Next Stop!
Helena
Welcome to the capital of Montana, Helena! The “Queen City of the Rockies” is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Helena is a hub of activity and excitement, with a vibrant downtown area, a thriving arts…
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